Senior leaders are widely respected within the centre and across the local authority. They have strong support from staff, students, parents and other headteachers. Teaching and achievement are improving.

The management committee provides a range of extremely relevant expertise and gives strong support and challenge to leaders.

Students often arrive with challenging behaviour. They are given strong and effective help and support so their behaviour improves quickly.

The centre is a safe place to learn; a view supported by students and parents. Care is taken to ensure that students understand what bullying is and why it is not good and, as a result, is rare.

Students’ positive attitudes help them to improve their learning. They take pride in their work.

Teachers and all staff have high expectations of their students. They form positive relationships so that students enjoy learning.

Students make good, and sometimes outstanding, progress. Standards achieved are rising, particularly in English. Students are gaining more exam success, both in GCSE or BTEC vocational qualifications. In 2014, every student in Year 11 left with some form of accreditation.

Students’ work is assessed regularly. Individual students’ progress towards their challenging targets is carefully tracked. This has been particularly effective over time in English so that learning closely meets students’ particular needs.

Staff receive support to improve their teaching. Their wide variety of skills and qualifications provides students with a wide choice of courses. Students follow an individually tailored package that meets their needs and interests.

Support for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is effective. In particular, it helps students realise the importance of working alongside others, listening to and respecting their views and opinions.